Before accepting her award, Céline — who lost René at age 73 to throat cancer in January — performed an emotional rendition of Queen's hit song, "The Show Must Go On."

Céline and René in February 2011. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

She then returned to the stage where her 15-year-old son René-Charles Angélil made a surprise appearance to present his mother with her statuette. "I'm so sorry for crying... I want to be so strong for my family and my kids, and I didn't expect that... I don't want to cry in front of you, but you make me so happy, thank you," Céline said while holding back tears.

"Thank you very much, this is such a tremendous honor. Music has been my passion since before I can almost remember. So many people have helped me get where I am today," she continued.

Céline and her son René-Charles at the BBMAs on May 22. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

"I want to thank the fans for traveling through music with me in good and bad times... my family, my mom, who wrote my first song, my children, René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy, and most importantly, my beloved husband, whom I know will continue to watch over me from up above. Thank you Billboard Music Awards for honoring me. René, this one is for you. The show must go on!" she concluded.